Angelo Mathews all set to make come back in first-class cricket

Angelo Mathews will only play as batsman for the next few months.

Sri Lankan white-ball captain Angelo Mathews is all set to make come back into the field, as the all-rounder has recovered from the hamstring and calf injury, which he picked up during the Bangladesh tour that forced him to miss the cricket for four months.

Mathews has missed Kandy's first two games of the ongoing Inter-Provincial tournament, but now he will return to lead the side against Galle at Suriyawewa on Saturday (21 April).

As per reports in Cricbuzz, Mathews said, “I am looking forward to start playing again. I am thankful to all the people who have helped me out. All the physiotherapists, trainers, doctors and Sri Lanka Cricket for giving me the best option. The reason why I didn't take part in the first two games was that it was decided to do more rehab rather than rush back to competitive cricket."

The all-rounder believes that the Inter-Provincial tournament offers a lot of exposure to the youngsters, and he will also play a few one-day games of the tournament before heading to West Indies tour in June.

Mathews went on to further explain, “So far the Inter-Provincial tournament has been very competitive. A few injuries here and there was a bit of a drawback, but most importantly, with the top players playing against each other the games have been very competitive. The tournament has given a lot of exposure for some of the younger guys who are coming through.”

However, the 30-year-old is returning to action but only as a batsman, not as an all-rounder, as he can’t bowl for the next few months to manage his workload.

The all-rounder signed off by saying, “For the next few months, I am not keen on bowling. The selectors are of the view that we start with batting only. I am confident that if I get through the next few tours, approaching the World Cup, I will be able to bowl again. Not bowling is only going to be temporary and won't be permanent. There are concerns about my workload and that has to be managed.”